Unofficial news and tips about Google

May 11, 2011

Chromebooks

Fast, simple, secure, built for the Web, doesn't require administration. It's a Chromebook, a Chrome OS notebook that will be available starting from next month.

"Chromebooks will be available online June 15 in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain. More countries will follow in the coming months. In the U.S., Chromebooks will be available from Amazon and Best Buy and internationally from leading retailers," informs Google.

Google's simplified computing model puts the browser at the core and creates an operating system that revolves around Google Chrome. Samsung and Acer are the launch partners. Samsung's notebooks have 12.1" displays, Atom Dual-Core processors, 16 GB solid state drives, weigh 1.48 kg and get 8.5 hours of continuous usage. They're similar to the Acer notebooks, which have 11.6" displays, a higher resolution, but only get 6 hours of usage. Some of the notebooks include 3G support, while other notebooks are Wi-Fi only. "The Samsung Chromebook will cost $429 in the U.S. for the Wi-Fi only version and $499 for the 3G version. Acer's Wi-Fi only Chromebook will cost $349," reports CNet.

Here's one of the Samsung Chromebooks:

While Chromebooks don't require administration, businesses and schools need a way to manage hundreds or thousands of notebooks, so Google decided to offer a service that includes a cloud management console, support, device warranties and regular hardware refreshes for only $20/user (schools) or $28/user (businesses).

Chromebooks are actually the real netbooks, lightweight and inexpensive computers built for simple tasks like browsing the Web. Unfortunately, netbooks are no longer very popular and users replace them with tablets like the iPad, which have better displays, better battery and are easier to use. For now, Chromebooks will compete with Windows netbooks and it won't be easy to convince people to buy a Chrome netbook when they could run Chrome on a regular netbook. The good news is that Chromebooks will force Google to improve its web applications, to offer more advanced features, more free storage and all Google users will benefit even if they don't buy a Chromebook.

I admit I raised my eyebrows, when I heard the un-subsidized price tags.

On the other hand, I'm convinced Google believes people who get a chromebook this year will mainly be early adopters (IT personnel, students, and, with 50k of them knocking on the door, businesses). From this angle, I can see why Google is subsidizing schools and businesses, because early adopters (especially students) will evangelize the OS by word of mouth, as many already have.

I see this beta-like strategy as consistent with past and current Google initiatives: Gmail, Docs, Google Voice, Android, the Cr-48, and, now, Google Music.

I have a CR-48 and I like it, but I wouldn't pay more than $200 for it.It still needs lots of work, especially in the handling of off-line files.I like the concept, but a HUGE part of the concept is AFORDABILITY and this does not meet that.

I think a lot of people misinterpret google's strategy. i doubt they are trying to make you give up your full featured laptops for it. but once they die and you need a computer i think you'll see the light

They'll have to really come down in price to be competitive... 500 for a 3g machine to allow you to do online only tasks is too much.. 300 for the high end one would be more like it; especially since they don't have to include a windows license

"The good news is that Chromebooks will force Google to improve its web applications, to offer more advanced features, more free storage..." Let's hope so. Their apps need some serious injections of new energy.

If everything can be done in the browser and stored on the web, why do I need to purchase Chromebook? I should be able to access my account from any PC using any browser (at least with Chrome browser).

I'm sorry, but Google's expecting people to pay approx $400 for a browser?! Seriously!? You can get a netbook for under $200. Heck, you can get an Android tablet for around $200!!! I was hoping these would be sold around $99 (plus a bit more for each option you add on, but I don't expect there would be many).

I'm guessing Samsung and Acer insisted on those prices to avoid cannibalizing their other products.

These look great!I was wanting to get a new laptop for myself soon, and I came across this. Chromebooks look like the kind of thing where you wouldn't get too distracted on- they look so simple and easy to use. Thanks for making these. Just one question- what time will these arrive in Australia?

Wow Impressive! Your blog is very informative. However, it is pretty hard task but your post and experience serve and teach me how to handle and make it more simple and manageable.Thanks for the tips… Best regards.

I think that if I can't afford a legit laptop this will be what I use for college. I mean you can upload all the files you need to online, and back them up eith USB's right? This is something I'd definately consider buying. I just want to know how durable it is and how long it lasts. I love the fact it's a just a internet browzer. Never seen that before. I might wait for a better version, though. Or when it come out to get more info.

If you are considering the Chromebook but still want to access Windows apps, then you should consider Ericom AccessNow, Ericom AccessNow, a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server (RDS Session Host), physical desktops or VDI virtual desktops – and run their applications and desktops in a browser.

This means that you can use AccessNow for instant, turnkey web-enablement of most any Windows application. Running entirely within a browser, AccessNow works natively with Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer (with Chrome Frame plug-in), Firefox and any other browser with HTML5 and WebSockets support.

Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices.

For more info, and to download the beta of Ericom AccessNow please visit:http://www.ericom.com/html5_rdp_client.asp?URL_ID=708

I think it's awesome, I just bought a HTC Flyer (tablet) and I do love it. However, it would be nice to have this with a keyboard. It basically falls in line with a tablet and would compete in that market. Unless you need the full function of a laptop, I don't know why you'd lug one around. This also explains why Google has not released Chrome on the Android market (in my opinion) except for ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich). I think they are trying to push this platform rather than just giving Chrome away for free. Kind of wish I would have waited and got one of these.